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The ones to watch at this year’s world junior championship

One of the intriguing storylines at the world junior hockey championship will be whether Dahlin outplays Svechnikov, or Svechnikov outplays Dahlin, over the duration of the 11-day tournament. NHL scouts will be looking for separation between the two teenagers vying to be the No. 1 pick in the June entry draft.

Swedish defenceman Rasmus Dahlin, left, has been touted as the top pick in the 2018 NHL draft for some time but Russian forward Andrei Svechnikov is providing competition. (Ryan Remiorz / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Dahlin is a towering defenceman and a calming presence on the Swedish blue line who has been projected as the No. 1 pick for a couple of years. Svechnikov is a game-breaking winger for the Russians who is getting better with age. He has 14 goals in 16 games this season with the OHL’s Barrie Colts.

“You can build around these players if they are part of your core group,” said Dan Marr, the chief amateur scout for NHL Central Scouting. “Svechnikov can help you break the game open. Dahlin can help you protect the lead.

“When things are on the line, you want either of those guys on the ice.”

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In other words, the NHL teams selecting 1-2 in the draft will have a difficult time screwing up.

“The team picking first will pick they player they rank first. The team picking second may also pick the player they have first,” Marr said.

Dahlin is the top defensive prospect and the top European prospect on a medal contender. The Swedes under-used Dahlin last year, but fans should see what the hype is about this year. He has the ability to take control of a game and settle it down. He’s composed.

“He makes things happen, and generates chances for his team in the offensive zone,” Marr said. “Players tend to follow his lead. And he’s got a maturity about him that transcends what happens on the ice.”

Svechnikov potted 10 goals in his first 10 games this OHL season before a hand injury caused him to miss nearly two months of action. “He can create opportunities himself, but he’s also really quick and can capitalize on any opportunities or mistakes,” said Marr.

Svechnikov is likely to play with Barrie Colts teammate Alexei Lipanov.

There are other draft eligibles in the world junior tournament, notably Americans Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes, both top-five prospects.

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Draft intrigue aside, the world junior tournament skews to players who are 19 and already drafted. Their NHL teams will be looking for them to shine on this international stage. Here are five to watch:

Timothy Liljegren

Defenceman, Sweden

Drafted: First round (17th), Toronto, 2017

The skinny: The Leafs have loaned Liljegren the Marlies defenceman to the Swedish team and he should shine against players of his own age group. He has a goal and eight assists in 17 AHL games.

Scouts say: “He’ll be able to come out and show the confidence he’s had playing men.” — Mark Seidel, director of scouting for North American Central Scouting.

Victor Mete

Defenceman, Canada

Drafted: Third round (100th), Montreal, 2016

The skinny: The Canadiens loaned the Woodbridge native to Canada and he could return to London after the tournament. Canada’s offence is going to be generated by defence. Mete is a sleek, puck-moving defenceman who should be able to set the tone at both ends of the rink.

Scouts say: “Victor’s in a zone right now. He has a lot of confidence and a lot of maturity about his game.” — Dan Marr, chief amateur scout for NHL Central Scouting

Casey Mittelstadt

Centre, United States

Drafted: First round (8th), Buffalo, 2017

The skinny: Mittelstadt will be the backbone of an American offence that likes to run and gun. A freshman at the University of Minnesota, Mittelstadt has 17 points in 19 games. He could be paired up front with Kailer Yamamoto, who had three assists in a nine-game tryout with the Oilers.

Scouts say: “He’s a dynamic guy and brings fans out of their seats at times.” — Seidel.

Carter Hart

Goaltender, Canada

Drafted: Second round (48th), Philadelphia, 2016

The skinny: Hart had an up-and-down world juniors last year, but is having an outstanding season with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips (13-3-1, 1.32 GAA, .961 save percentage).

Scouts say: “Canada is probably the third-most talented team behind the Americans and Swedes . . . there are going to be times when (Hart is) going to have to be really good.” — Seidel

Eeli Tolvanen

Centre, Finland

Drafted: First round (30th), Nashville, 2017

The skinny: The Finns had 14 first- and second-round picks in their selection camp and Tolvanen could be the best among them. He has 17 goals and 15 assists for Jokerit Helsinki in the KHL.

Scouts say: “This kid is going to come out and show that he’s a pure goal-scorer.” — Seidel.

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